Georgia High School Football Primer

Friday

Aug 31, 2007 at 6:00 AM

FIVE BIGGEST AREA GAMES THIS YEAR

1. LINCOLN COUNTY AT WASHINGTON-WILKES, SEPT. 14

There's no area rivalry that compares. The game produces great drama. The Tigers were the only blemish on a Lincoln County state title run last season. Washington-Wilkes squeaked out a 3-0 win that will be on the minds of their rival this year. The back-and-forth nature is what sets this game apart. Washington-Wilkes had lost four in a row to the Devils from 2003-2005 (they played twice in 2005). Lincoln County lost four in a row from 1999-2002. The teams have split their past 16 games.

2. JEFFERSON COUNTY AT LANEY, NOV. 2

This game should decide the Region 3-AA champion either directly or indirectly. Laney should be improved this season. Jefferson County will be gunning for its third consecutive region title. The Warriors have yet to impress in the postseason, but they have gone 17-3 during the regular season the past two years. Laney's 19-7 road win last year was Jefferson County's first region loss since 2004.

3. BURKE COUNTY AT JEFFERSON COUNTY, TONIGHT, 7:30

It's a non-region game that seems bigger than that. It's the debut for former Laney coach Eric Parker at Burke County. He's reshaped the team along with a strong staff of assistants. His Bears face a team that mauled Dublin in a preseason scrimmage. Either team could signify it is for real with a convincing win. The game also features the area's top prospects in Burke County's Cornelius Washington and Jefferson County's A.J. Harmon. Harmon will be challenged with blocking the speedy defensive end when the Warriors have the ball.

4. WASHINGTON COUNTY AT THOMSON, NOV. 9

This game is actually a tragedy given the weird playoff structure of Region 3-AAA. These teams are annually the best in the region, but they are also in the same sub-region. It means both teams roll through region play and the loser of this game finishes with one region loss. But that team is doomed to a playoff road game and maybe even the No. 4 seed in the region. It essentially boils each program's season down to one game.

5. WARREN COUNTY AT LINCOLN COUNTY, OCT. 26

A Screaming Devils victory in this contest would really send their spirits soaring. This contest should decide the Region 7-A champion between the state heavyweight and new region upstart. Lincoln County has not lost to Warren County since 1971. This year is Warren County's best chance to end that streak in at least 22 years.

TOP FIVE AREA TEAMS

TEAM2006 RECORD2007 PRED. RECORD COMMENT1. Washington County11-310-3The depth and size of this program puts them in the top spot.2. Thomson9-29-2Class AAA size rates them above the area's strong teams from smaller schools.3. Lincoln County14-112-2Revamped starting units will still have talent and be expertly coached.4. Laney8-410-3New head coach but same coaches reduces the learning curve considerably.5. Burke County6-411-2School with just two losing seasons in its 21 years is ready to take the next step.

TOP FIVE AREA PLAYERS

PLAYER, SCHOOLPOS.HGT./WGT.COMMENT1. A.J. HarmonJefferson CountyDT/OT6-6/320Behemoth has committed to Clemson. Forced 12 fumbles last year.2. Sanders CommingsWestsideQB/DB6-1/195Looks and plays like a prospect. Had seven interceptions last year.3. Tommy SealsWarren CountyQB5-11/195Four-year starter with good speed has led his team to 20 career victories.4. Cornelius WashingtonBurke CountyDE6-4/225There might not be a faster prep defensive lineman in America.5. Brandon WattsWashington CountyDB/RB6-2/223The 16-year-old junior might be the area's most impressive athlete.